Xinran Miao

I am a Ph.D. candidate at the University of Cambridge, supervised by Prof. David Edwards, with co-supervision from Prof. Casey Ryan and Prof. Andrew Balmford. My research interests lie broadly in conservation science, particularly in achieving conservation outcomes in human-modified landscapes, with a focus on restoration and productive ecosystems. My Ph.D. research examines the impacts of plantation forestry and restoration on landscape-level deforestation across sub-Saharan Africa, as well as their effects on biodiversity and carbon storage. This work could provide insights into how we can maintain timber security within large-scale restoration initiatives.

Prior to my current study, I obtained a Bachelor's degree with first class Honors at the Australian National University. My previous work has focused on exploring the biodiversity and ecosystem services provided by native forests restored by multiple approaches at a global scale. I have also conducted some field services in southern China to investigate bird biodiversity in commercial timber plantations, and conducted social services in Inner Mongolia to evaluate the ecological and social outcomes of the “Ant-forest”— a community-based restoration program aimed at combating desertification.